Immediate effect of different herbal solutions on tensile strength of suture materials in oral cavity

Abstract

This pilot study evaluated the immediate effect of different herbal solutions in oral use on the tensile strength of the sutures used in oral surgical procedures. Three frequently used suture materials, polyglactin 910 (PGA), poliglecaprone (PGCL), and polypropylene (PP), were chosen in a 4-0-gauge size. The sutures' tensile stress was evaluated before being immersed (baseline) and after immersion at 24 h, 1 week, and 2 weeks in four different media: artificial saliva, chlorhexidine, Commiphora myrrh, and frankincense. The tensile strength was assessed by applying a 50 N load at a standardized speed of 2 mm/min. The data were analyzed using one-way and three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey post hoc test with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05 significance level. The mean values of the maximum load showed a significant statistical difference across the three types of sutures (PGA, PGCL, and PP). The mean tensile strength of the PP suture was statistically lower than that of the other sutures. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean tensile strength of the PGA suture when stored in chlorohexidine media and the PGCL suture for frankincense media. The tensile strength for all sutures was the lowest value when immersed in Commiphora myrrh media. Home-prepared herbal solutions can affect the tensile strength and maximum load of suture materials. Careful and controlled use of herbal solutions after any dental surgical procedures is advisable.